The Amanyanabo of Ogoloma Kingdom in Okrika Local Government Area, King G.T.I. Obudibo, Ikwo V, has described the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside,  as a candidate in whom Rivers people are well pleased.
The monarch told Peterside  during a courtesy call on the traditional chiefs of his kingdom,”They call you governor-in-waiting but I know you are already a governor”.
The APC governorship candidate was at the palace to seek the King’s blessing and to inform the royal father of the flag-off of his campaign in Okrika Local Government Area.
The monarch also used the opportunity of the visit to draw Peterside’s attention to the kingdom’s burning need for peace and progress.
Obudibo, for the most part, challenged Peterside to re-enact as governor, the peace and prosperity that reigned in Okrika during his school days as a young boy at Okrika Grammar School.
The monarch also charged him to ensure that his Road Map to Posterity is implemented to the latter, especially as regards employment opportunities because so many young men and women in his kingdom need employment.
He expressed confidence in Peterside’s ability to lead the people of Rivers State but reminded him of the need to run an inclusive government that will unite the people of the state irrespective of party affiliations.
The royal father praised Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for being a model governor who will be remembered for building world-class infrastructure and for investing in human capital development.
Responding, Peterside promised to run an open and transparent government.
He told the monarch that he is driven by service, adding that the interest of Rivers people will be uppermost on the mind of his administration.
“I fully appreciate the needs of our people and as governor; I will face the challenges squarely. For five years, I was at Okrika Grammar School. I can say that Okrika people are good and peace loving. As a people, we have lived together for centuries.
“The ethnic nationalities also have understanding and respect for one another. Even our founding fathers knew that equity is good. We cannot afford to institutionalise slavery. It is unacceptable therefore for one ethnic group to think that it will rule the entire Rivers State forever. Your majesty, please reflect on this fact as we leave.
“It is important to state here also that our brothers and sisters in Ikwerreland object to this modern day slavery. You are aware that the Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers came together and endorsed me because they equally reject this domination. We must therefore speak for justice and good neighbourliness.
“Our government will encourage peace and progress in Okrika. When we had opportunity to serve, we did our best to improve the network of roads in Okrika. If we are given another chance, we will do more. We recognise the role of traditional institution, so, we will partner with you to address unemployment, security, infrastructure, human capital development and other areas of need.
“I know people will come here to campaign but please ask them to show you what they have done for the people of Okrika. We can point to what we have done because we are stakeholders here”, Peterside added.